What Is Obesity?

Being obese is not just about what you weigh, it's about having too much fat in your body. Carrying too much body fat has harmful effects on your health.

More than one-third of U.S. adults are considered obese, which is defined as having a body mass index greater than 30.

As is the case with adults, the obesity rate among children are too high. And like adults, kids who are obese are at a much greater risk for health problems now and later in life. Studies have found obese children are much more likely to be obese as adults. If a child is overweight before age 8, his or her chance of more severe obesity during adulthood goes up.

Causes of Obesity

There are many reasons for obesity. While its causes are certainly tied to an imbalance of calories taken in versus calories burned through physical activity, it also can be affected by:

• Family history and genes
• Medications: Some antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, diabetes medications, steroids and beta blockers may cause weight gain.
• Surroundings and economics: Research suggests people may be at greater risk for being overweight or obese if their friends are; other data shows people at lower economic levels have a greater chance of being obese.
• Lifestyle habits, eating behaviors and stress
• Too little sleep: This can affect hormones that increase appetite.
• Medical problems: Hypothyroidism, Prader-Willi and polycystic ovary syndrome can contribute to obesity.

Approach to Weight Loss

Weight loss therapy should be based on three components:

1. Diet
2. Physical activity
3. Behavior therapy (such as recognizing triggers for eating or learning to pinpoint obstacles that hold you back from making lifestyle changes)

This combination has been found to be more successful than using any one intervention alone.

Healthy Eating Plan

Many people have found long-term success by working with a registered dietitian nutritionist. Research shows that at least two sessions per month with an RDN lead to successful weight loss and at least one session per month for weight loss maintenance. Because no two people are alike, approaches to weight loss must be tailored to each person. An RDN can do this for you — she or he will create a plan based on your medical history, lifestyle and food preferences. Together, you can explore how your habits, emotions and environmental cues affect how you eat.